ˌhed.əˈräləsə̇s noun
Etymology: New Latin, from heter- + -lysis
1. : destruction by an outside agent ; specifically : solution (as of a cell) by lysins or enzymes from another source
2. : decomposition of a compound into two oppositely charged particles or ions (as X:Y → X + + :B - ) — compare homolysis
• het·er·o·lyt·ic |hed.ərō|lid.ik adjective